INTRODUCTION SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS HOW CAN I …walker.la.us/sites/default/files/images/Flood...
2
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS REQUIREMENTS What is a substantial improvement? The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other im- provement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure be- fore the start of the construction of the improvement, must conform or meet the same construction require- ments as a new building and be constructed above the minimum Base Flood Elevation (BFE) listed on the City of Walker’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). What is substantial damage? Substantial damage means damage of any origin sustained by a building or structure when the cost of restoring the building to its pre-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the building before the damage occurred. Substantial damage is determined regardless of the actual repair work performed. The City of Walker requires by ordinance that any substantial improvement must have a building permit. Permit information can be obtained at the City of Walker Permit Department or by calling (225) 665- 8893. HOW CAN I PROTECT MY PROPERTY? While Purchasing Flood Insurance helps you re- cover from a flood event, there are steps you can take to help lessen the damage prior to flooding: Contact your local Building Official: Your local Building Official will be familiar with the particular flooding conditions your area encounters and how to protect against them. Use Flood resistant materials wherever possible. Elevate: Place essential components above the flood level. Retrofitting measures include: 1. Elevating the building so that flood waters do not enter or reach any damageable portion of it. 2. Constructing barriers out of fill or concrete between the building and flood waters. 3. “Dry flood proofing” to make the building’s walls and floors watertight so water does not enter. 4. “Wet flood proofing” to modify the structure and relocate the contents so that when flood waters enter the building there is little or no damage. A free booklet, “Flood Proofing Techniques, Pro- grams and Reference (1991, 23pp),” is available from: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Flood Proofing Committee ATTN: CECW PF 20 Massachusetts Avenue Washington, D.C. 20314-1000 HOW CAN I BUILD RESPONSIBLY? Contact your Local Building Department be- fore you Build or Alter your property. Consult Flood Maps and other FEMA ap- proved publications: Determine the materials, flood level, and construction requirements you may face. Follow All Required Building Codes and Zoning regulations: Your home will be safer. Illegal building or filling should be reported to your local Permit Office. FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REQUIREMENTS All development in the City of Walker needs local permits. Contact the City of Walker’s Permit De- partment at (225) 665-8893 for advice before you build, fill, place a manufactured home or otherwise develop within City limits. The zoning ordinance, flood control ordinance, and the International Building Codes have special provisions regulating the construction and other developments within floodplains. Without these provisions, flood insur- ance through the National Flood Insurance Pro- gram (NFIP) would not be available to property owners in the City of Walker. Any development in the floodplain without a permit is illegal; such ac- tivity may be reported to the City of Walker Permit Department. FLASH FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM If flash flooding is imminent, the City of Walker residents are notified through local radio and cable television networks. Walker residents can also re- ceive updated weather information from the National Weather Service Offices in Louisiana. INTRODUCTION The City of Walker is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property that is associated with flooding and storm events. Education and preven- tion are valuable and proven tools that help commu- nities become resistant to these natural disasters. The City of Walker recognizes that its entire com- munity is susceptible to flooding, not just those structures located within Special Flood Hazard Ar- eas (SFHA). The following information has been provided to help inform property owners located within the SFHA, flood prone areas and also all property owners within the City of Walker. WHAT IS MY FLOOD HAZARD? As floods in our area may occur during any sea- son of the year and a large portion of our area is located in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA); it is Very Important to Know your Flood Hazard. Contact your local Floodplain Manage- ment Office for more information about the specific conditions you may face. Major floods have oc- curred in our area in 1967, 1977, 1979, 1980,1983,1989,1992, 2001, and 2005. Hurricane Gustav Projected Path FLOOD INFORMATION City of Walker has adopted the new FIRM with the effective date of April 3, 2012. Residents of Walker may obtain flood informa- tion, flood maps, mandatory flood insurance pur- chase requirements/inquiries and flood zone de- termination by visiting the Walker Municipal Building at 10136 Florida Blvd., Walker, LA 70785.
Transcript of INTRODUCTION SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS HOW CAN I …walker.la.us/sites/default/files/images/Flood...
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS REQUIREMENTS
What is a substantial improvement? The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requires that any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other im-provement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure be-fore the start of the construction of the improvement, must conform or meet the same construction require-ments as a new building and be constructed above the minimum Base Flood Elevation (BFE) listed on the City of Walker’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). What is substantial damage? Substantial damage means damage of any origin sustained by a building or structure when the cost of restoring the building to its pre-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the building before the damage occurred. Substantial damage is determined regardless of the actual repair work performed. The City of Walker requires by ordinance that any substantial improvement must have a building permit. Permit information can be obtained at the City of Walker Permit Department or by calling (225) 665-8893.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY PROPERTY? While Purchasing Flood Insurance helps you re-cover from a flood event, there are steps you can take to help lessen the damage prior to flooding: Contact your local Building Official: Your local Building Official will be familiar with the particular flooding conditions your area encounters and how to protect against them. Use Flood resistant materials wherever possible. Elevate: Place essential components above the flood level. Retrofitting measures include: 1. Elevating the building so that flood waters do
not enter or reach any damageable portion of it. 2. Constructing barriers out of fill or concrete
between the building and flood waters. 3. “Dry flood proofing” to make the building’s
walls and floors watertight so water does not enter.
4. “Wet flood proofing” to modify the structure and relocate the contents so that when flood waters enter the building there is little or no damage.
A free booklet, “Flood Proofing Techniques, Pro-grams and Reference (1991, 23pp),” is available from:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers National Flood Proofing Committee
ATTN: CECW PF 20 Massachusetts Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20314-1000
HOW CAN I BUILD RESPONSIBLY? Contact your Local Building Department be-
fore you Build or Alter your property. Consult Flood Maps and other FEMA ap-
proved publications: Determine the materials, flood level, and construction requirements you may face.
Follow All Required Building Codes and Zoning regulations: Your home will be safer.
Illegal building or filling should be reported to your local Permit Office.
FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
All development in the City of Walker needs local permits. Contact the City of Walker’s Permit De-partment at (225) 665-8893 for advice before you build, fill, place a manufactured home or otherwise develop within City limits. The zoning ordinance, flood control ordinance, and the International Building Codes have special provisions regulating the construction and other developments within floodplains. Without these provisions, flood insur-ance through the National Flood Insurance Pro-gram (NFIP) would not be available to property owners in the City of Walker. Any development in the floodplain without a permit is illegal; such ac-tivity may be reported to the City of Walker Permit Department.
FLASH FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM
If flash flooding is imminent, the City of Walker residents are notified through local radio and cable television networks. Walker residents can also re-ceive updated weather information from the National Weather Service Offices in Louisiana.
INTRODUCTION
The City of Walker is dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property that is associated with flooding and storm events. Education and preven-tion are valuable and proven tools that help commu-nities become resistant to these natural disasters. The City of Walker recognizes that its entire com-munity is susceptible to flooding, not just those structures located within Special Flood Hazard Ar-eas (SFHA). The following information has been provided to help inform property owners located within the SFHA, flood prone areas and also all property owners within the City of Walker.
WHAT IS MY FLOOD HAZARD? As floods in our area may occur during any sea-son of the year and a large portion of our area is located in the FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA); it is Very Important to Know your Flood Hazard. Contact your local Floodplain Manage-ment Office for more information about the specific conditions you may face. Major floods have oc-curred in our area in 1967, 1977, 1979, 1980,1983,1989,1992, 2001, and 2005.
Hurricane Gustav Projected Path
FLOOD INFORMATION City of Walker has adopted the new FIRM with the effective date of April 3, 2012. Residents of Walker may obtain flood informa-tion, flood maps, mandatory flood insurance pur-chase requirements/inquiries and flood zone de-termination by visiting the Walker Municipal Building at 10136 Florida Blvd., Walker, LA 70785.
Floodplain Management
CITY OF WALKER MAYOR RICK RAMSEY 10136 Florida Blvd.
P.O. Box 217 Walker, LA 70785
Office: 225-665-8893 Fax: 225-664-0140
www.walker.la.us
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF IN A FLOOD? When flood warnings are issued, you should take all necessary steps to protect you and your family. Be prepared to evacuate. Have an Evacuation Plan: know where you
will go and how to get there before the emer-gency arises.
Have all important documents readily avail-able to take with you in the case of an evacuation.
Do not walk through flood waters: A few inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.
Do not drive through a flooded area: Do not drive around barriers, the road or bridge may be washed out.
Stay away from power lines and electrical wires: Water and Electricity are a shocking combination. Electrocution is the second lead-ing cause of death during a flood. Report downed power lines to the power company or city emergency management office. Turn off all electrical circuits and gas lines that may come in contact with flood water.
Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals are running from flood waters just like you.
Carbon monoxide exhaust kills: Use a gen-erator or other gasoline-powered machine outdoors. Fumes from charcoal are especially deadly; cook with charcoal outdoors only.
Be alert for gas leaks: Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use can-dles, lanterns, or open flames.
WHY DO I NEED FLOOD INSURANCE? Even a small amount of water can cause sig-nificant damage. Flood Damage is Not covered by normal homeowners insurance. You should purchase Flood Insurance to protect your prop-erty and make recovery after a flood event easier. To find out more about flood insurance contact any licensed insurance agent. Don’t wait for the next flood; there is a 30 day wait-ing period for coverage to take effect.
For more information about flood insurance contact:
www.fema.gov/info
1-800-638-6620 Contact your flood insurance agent
Contact the City of Walker CRS Coordinator 225-665-8893
WHAT CAN I DO TO PROTECT NATURAL FLOODPLAIN FUNCTIONS? Do Not Dump Anything into ditches or
streams: Each item you dump contributes to flooding.
Utilize Storm Water Protection/Erosion Control when Building: Keeping building debris and pollutants out of the storm drains allow for better overall drainage in our area.
Report Illegal Dumping activities or any development in these restricted areas: Contact your Local Department of Public Works if you see illegal activity. It can be reported to (225)665-2467.
Enjoying delicious seafood or engaging in out-door activities like hunting or fishing are just a few of the many benefits of maintaining rela-tively undisturbed Natural Floodplains.
For 24/7 service, visit the City of Walker website at:
http://www.walker.la.us/
DRAINAGE SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
It is illegal in the City of Walker to dump any type of debris into a canal, stream, river, drainage ditches, or any other body of water within the City. This debris can become entangled in culverts, ca-nals, or drainage ditches and impede drainage, caus-ing the flow of water to back up. Citizens should also keep drainage ditches on their property free of debris, foliage and vegetation that would impede the flow of water. Debris dumping should be reported
ONLINE RESOURCES
https://www.fema.gov/national‐flood‐insurance‐program https://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/ http://water.weather.gov/ahps/ http://waterdata.usgs.gov/la/nwis/current/?type=flow http://maps.lsuagcenter.com/floodmaps/ http://www.lsuagcenter.com/en/family_home/hazards_and_threats/ http://www.laseagrant.org/sglegal/publications/other/homeowners‐handbook/ www.floodhelp.uno.edu http://www.mylpl.info/
